Dona Ann McAdams: A Lifetime of Light and Legacy in Black Box
Photographer Dona Ann McAdams has unveiled her magnum opus, Black box, a photographic memoir that weaves together five decades of stunning black-and-white imagery with lyrical prose. Published by Saint Lucy Books,this memoir is more than a collection of photographs—it’s a journey through time,capturing the essence of American life from 1974 to 2024.
McAdams, who describes herself as a “collage artist who works with time and light,” has dedicated her life to analog photography. Armed with her trusted Leica M2 since 1975, she has documented pivotal moments in history, from the queer liberation movement to the cultural upheavals of the 1980s and 1990s. Her lens has also immortalized iconic figures like Angela Davis, David Bowie, and Harvey Milk, offering a unique outlook on the people who shaped her world.
But Black Box is not just about the famous faces. McAdams has spent decades bringing the art of photography to underserved communities, from the south Bronx to the southern Appalachians. She has empowered individuals in adult homes, shelters, and mountain towns to tell their own stories through the camera’s eye. For McAdams, the personal is deeply political, and her work reflects a commitment to both art and activism.
The memoir also delves into her profound connection with animals,particularly horses. In 2005,she became a licensed walker at Saratoga Race Course,immersing herself in the world of these majestic creatures. “Dawn was the best time of day,” she writes. “People came from all walks of life. grooms and trainers, exercise riders, cooks. They spoke many different languages, but shared one: the horse. The back straight became my second home. It reminded me of the theater,except that the performers were horses and the stage was big and round.”
Black Box is rich with metaphor, its title weaving together the many “boxes” that have shaped McAdams’ life—from her mother’s box of black diet pills to the camera obscura, a darkroom, and the black box of a theatre. Each box serves as a vessel for memory, beauty, and time, much like the memoir itself.
The book also includes a poignant, never-before-published photograph of the Twin Towers on the morning of September 11, 2001, adding a layer of historical gravitas to an already profound collection.
Black Box is a testament to McAdams’ extraordinary vision and her ability to find beauty in the everyday. It’s a must-read for anyone who cherishes the power of photography to tell stories, preserve memories, and ignite change.
Dona Ann McAdams
Black Box: A Photographic Memoir
Published by saint Lucy Books
ISBN 979-8-218-48684-6
Explore the memoir here
How did Dona Ann McAdams’ early experiences shape her passion for photography?
Interview with Dona Ann McAdams: A Lifetime of Light and Legacy in Black Box
Conducted by Archyde Editorial Team
Archyde: Thank you for joining us today, Dona. Your work, especially in Black Box, has left an indelible mark on the world of photography. Can you start by telling us how you first found your passion for photography?
Dona Ann McAdams: Thank you for having me.It’s a pleasure to be here. My journey with photography began in my early twenties. I was drawn to the idea of capturing moments that would or else be lost to time. There’s something incredibly powerful about freezing a moment, a person, or an emotion in a frame. It started as a hobby, but it quickly became my life’s work.
Archyde: Black Box is often described as a groundbreaking project. What inspired you to embark on this particular series?
Dona: Black Box was born out of my captivation with the interplay of light and shadow, and how it can reveal truths about the human experience. I wanted to explore the idea of the “black box” as a metaphor—both literally and figuratively. It’s a space where light is contained, where stories are hidden, and where the unseen becomes visible.The project became a way for me to delve into the complexities of identity, memory, and legacy.
Archyde: Your work often focuses on marginalized communities and underrepresented voices. Why is this an critically important theme in your photography?
Dona: Photography has the power to amplify voices that are frequently enough silenced. I’ve always believed that art should be a mirror to society, reflecting both its beauty and its flaws. By focusing on marginalized communities, I aim to challenge stereotypes, spark conversations, and create a sense of empathy and understanding. These stories deserve to be told, and I feel privileged to be the one to tell them through my lens.
Archyde: You’ve been in the field for decades. How has photography evolved over the years, and how have you adapted to these changes?
Dona: The evolution of photography has been amazing. from film to digital, from physical prints to social media, the way we create and consume images has changed dramatically. But at its core, photography is still about storytelling. I’ve embraced new technologies and platforms, but my approach remains the same: to capture authentic moments and convey truth through my work.
Archyde: Looking back on your career, what has been the most fulfilling aspect of your work?
Dona: The most fulfilling part has been the connections I’ve made—with the people I’ve photographed, with viewers of my work, and with fellow artists. Photography is a collaborative process, even if it’s just me and my camera. Knowing that my work has touched someone, inspired them, or made them see the world differently—that’s what keeps me going.
archyde: What advice would you give to aspiring photographers who look up to your work?
Dona: My advice would be to stay true to your vision.It’s easy to get caught up in trends or external validation, but the most powerful work comes from within. Be curious, be persistent, and don’t be afraid to take risks. And remember, photography isn’t just about technique—it’s about heart.
Archyde: what’s next for you? Do you have any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
Dona: I’m currently working on a new series that explores the concept of resilience—how people and communities rebuild and find strength after adversity. It’s still in the early stages, but I’m excited to see where it takes me. There’s always a new story to tell,a new light to capture.
Archyde: Thank you, Dona, for sharing your insights and your incredible journey with us. Black Box and your body of work as a whole are a testament to the power of photography. We look forward to seeing what you create next.
Dona: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
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This interview was conducted by the Archyde editorial team. For more stories on art, culture, and innovation, visit Archyde.com.
